Kirkcaldy Foodbank appeals for urgent help as coronavirus puts strain on service

Age or health issues have cut the numbers of people who normally help out at the key service.

Now, an urgent call has gone out for help to people who can volunteer their time to keep operations running during a time of crisis.

Anyone who can volunteer to stack shelves, pick up groceries from local shops and supermarkets or pack food parcels are being urged to get in touch with the foodbank.

The lack of numbers has also resulted in a reduction in its opening hours at New Volunteer House to 10.00am-1.00pm, Monday to Wednesday.

Alternative distribution points in Kirkcaldy can be found at Viewforth Church hall, Linton Lane Community Centre, Link Living and the Solid Rock Cafe in Burntisland, these distribution points will remain open until further notice.

Joyce Leggate, chairman of the Kirkcaldy Foodbank said: “Due to the significant impact coronavirus has had on our volunteers, we have had to reduce our opening times at one of our distribution points.

“A lot of our volunteers are older and some have existing health issues, so they will be self-isolating to protect themselves and their families.

“We urgently need new volunteers to ensure that operations at the foodbank are not disrupted as we are experiencing a large number of people visiting us for assistance.

“We are also doing everything that we can to minimise face-to-face contact between our volunteers and users of the foodbank to ensure the safety of everyone.”

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The independent charity has recorded a sharp rise in numbers as panic buying haas stripped shelves in shops, leaving some people struggling to find vital necessities.

Supplies of items such as milk, meat products, toiletries and everyday essential items are running dangerously low.

“We are urgently appealing for fresh milk and UHT milk, as well as tinned meat products like tinned ham, corned beef, Fray Bentos pies, tins of tuna and stews.

“Any donations of tea and coffee would also be greatly appreciated as we are running very low on supplies.” Joyce adds.

If you want to volunteer or donate any items you can contact the Kirkcaldy Foodbank via email at [email protected] or alternatively you can contact the foodbank through social media.